Looks Like the East River Ferry Will Be Around for a While

Michael Bloomberg and Christine Quinn announced today they plan to extend service on the popular East River Ferry for at least another five years after the current test period expires in 2014. The city has been subsidizing the service at about $3 million per year since 2011, and is planning to continue in light of the success the ferry has seen so far–exceeding the total projected ridership in just a year and a half.

The city plans to reduce the subsidy–which could potentially lead to higher fares–but Quinn said she hoped that wouldn’t happen, especially after the MTA’s recent fare hike announcement. Quinn also hopes eventually to extend service beyond its current Brooklyn/Queens/Manhattan territory. “I love a five-borough ferry,” she said.